CIM Patron
Jacob Ables, MBA
Title: Pennsylvania Regional Sales Manager
Employer: Silvi Materials
“For the same reason Major League Baseball has minor league teams for player development, businesses in the concrete industry and those in the inputs sector should get involved with the CIM program. The minor league system that our sector sorely needs is CIM. ”
What is your involvement in the CIM program? Why did you get involved with the program?
I am currently chairman of the NJIT Patrons association, replacing Frank Flatch in early 2023. Prior to that, I was a member of the MTSU Patrons association and continued my involvement through the completion of the CIM Executive MBA in 2021. I joined the NJIT Patrons after moving to Philadelphia because I think it is essential for present industry professionals to support the advancement of future industry professionals.
Why have you and your company made the commitment to the CIM program? What benefits do you think it will bring to your company?
Silvi Materials was one of the driving forces behind the CIM program coming to NJIT. The Silvi family has a strong commitment to CIM and frequently employs interns and graduates from the program. Silvi is dedicated to the program’s sustained success and know we will continue to benefit from the highly qualified graduates the program produces.
What are your thoughts about the industry/academic partnership between CIM and its industry partners and patrons?
The partnership between academia and industry is paramount to the success of the CIM program. Our strength is the way we incorporate both classroom and experiential learning. This results in a workforce that is well-rounded and equipped to perform well both in front office and field responsibilities. CIM is special because of the synergistic link between academia and industry.
Why should other companies in the concrete industry get involved in the CIM program?
For the same reason Major League Baseball has minor league teams, businesses in the concrete industry and those in the inputs sector should get involved with the CIM program. Simply put, it boils down to talent development. Our modern economy’s rapid growth and evolution have diverted talent that could have otherwise gone in other directions. The people and skill sets we need must be developed from scratch by the industry. The minor league system that our sector sorely needs is CIM.
What is your vision for the CIM program?
I would like to see the CIM program become the industry standard for upper management in the industry. The CIM degree should be a viewed as a prerequisite for industry leadership and management.